endearingly grumpy old people and their found families

books whose main characters are older and disillusioned with life and go on a little adventure that melts their hearts (and heals yours)

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created by seema

last updated August, 2025

85

Comments

Would also recommend The Universe versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence for this list!

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Thanks!!

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Remarkably Bright Creatures was one of my favorites reads of 2023

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I loveee this book, the audiobook version is also so good!

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Under the Whispering Door was one of my favorite books last year!

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What a great list. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce would be a great addition. Jim Broadbent read the audiobook - just perfect.

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Thanks for the rec, added!

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I highly recommend The Borrowed Life of Fredrik Fife by Anna Johnston šŸ’–

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Wait I'm obsessed by the fact he's stepping in for a grump, what a twist! This is a perfect suggestion for this list

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I'm reading The Last List of Mabel Beaumont right now, and it totally fits this vibe!

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Omg thank you for the rec, adding to this list and my tbr 🫶

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D3R3R3

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I love this haha, I feel like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches would fit if you're interested!

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I looove that book and it definitely has the found family aspect, but I think Mika doesn't quite fit the old+grumpy bill for this particular list. Appreciate the rec though and definitely let me know if you come across any others!!

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True true I was thinking of all the adults in the book not just Mika haha

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Had a great time with Vera Wong! Waiting for the sequel!!

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Me too!!

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Is anyone here watching A Man on the Inside? It's got the same vibes as these books!

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Omg 95% on rotten tomatoes! Going to watch right now šŸ˜‚

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I'd say the only thing it's missing is grumpiness from the MC but fear not there is definitely grumpiness amongst some of the other characters

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btw i loved this show & can't wait for season 2

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Omg yessss I'm so glad!

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You're missing the Thursday crime club about the retirement home oldies solving crimes.

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Thanks for the rec, added to the list and my tbr :)

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The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa would be perfect for this list. What do you think?

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I haven't read it but I'll take your word for it! Added!

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This is such a lovely list! Frank and Red would definitely be perfect for it if you’re interested?

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Awesome, thank you!

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i think one of the characters in cascade failure (and the second book gravity lost) would fall into this category for sure!

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This list is intended to capture books where that is the primary focus of the story, would you say that's the case for cascade failure or is it more a side character?

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it’s like a found family story with 5 POVs (one is this character) but it’s clear from all POVs that this character is kind of a caring grump—if that makes sense?

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Okay cool thanks for clarifying! I'm sure this is a lovely book, I think the old grump being only 1/5 MCs makes it just a smidge outside the focus of this list 🫶

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